Solar Energy
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the community's Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington 2045. In part, the plan calls for Lexington to "Expand and Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electrification Initiatives."
In support of this goal, the LFUCG is working to be recognized as a SolSmart community - a designation of cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations that are solar energy leaders. One requirement of this designation is for communities to have clear policies related to solar energy technologies. Currently, Lexington has no such policies.
The Urban County Council is reviewing a proposed update to the local zoning ordinance (the rules for how land can be used) that would decide what types, how, and where these technologies are allowed in Lexington.
Helpful Terms & Definitions:
- Comprehensive Plan - Kentucky state law requires local governments to adopt comprehensive plans for their communities to help guide, "public and private actions and decisions to assure the development of public and private property in the most appropriate relationships." (KRS 100.183)
- Empower Lexington - Local sustainability plan that encourages us to be more energy efficient, which should lower our energy demand, provide cost savings to our residents, and allow our businesses to be more competitive
- Planning Commission - Reviews and adopts the community's comprehensive plan, approves subdivision plats and development plans, and makes recommendations to the council for zone change requests
- Rural Service Area (RSA) - All land in Fayette County outside of the Urban Service Area
- Urban County Council - Legislative Branch of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
- Urban Service Area (USA) - An Urban Service Area defines how far and where important services go (sewers, electrical power grid, waste collection, etc.)
- Zoning Ordinance - The LFUCG Zoning Ordinance regulates how land in Fayette County is developed
- ZOTA (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) - Amendment to Lexington's Zoning Ordinance -- which can be proposed by the Planning Commission, the Urban County Council, or community members
Please share your thoughts about solar technologies in Fayette County by commenting in the forum below, contacting Council offices directly, and/or joining us for public comment during an in-person Council meeting.
Videos
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The Solar ZOTA was discussed at the May 2, 2024 meeting.
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Representatives from Silicon Ranch presented information to the Rural Land Management Board.
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The Planning Commission considered the proposal from Silicon Ranch at the September 26, 2025 meeting. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to adopt alternative staff language, which prohibits industrial-scale solar projects in Agricultural zones.
View this video to see the staff presentation and the Planning Commission's discussion.
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The General Government & Planning Committee considered the proposed ordinance that was approved by the Planning Commission on 09/26/2024 in addition to a set of proposed amendments from Council Members.
The Committee voted 6-4 to advance the ordinance from the Planning Commission, with one amendment to include language that will help Lexington receive recognition as a "SolSmart Community." Committee members indicated interest in forming a working group to further explore the use of solar technologies in Agricultural zones. View this video to see the staff presentation and Committee discussion.